Editorial: Economic development efforts should be unified

Everyone wants job creation and employment opportunities for the greater Bluffton area. That fact is one that cannot be disputed.

How the region goes about creating these jobs and attracting new business and industry, and retaining existing ones, is something that everyone should have interest in. We certainly do.

It’s time for Bluffton, Beaufort County and its municipalities to take the next step and to consider creating an economic development corporation to handle economic development efforts.

Bluffton’s explosive growth during the past 10 years has made the area a player in the economic development arena and as such, the town should have a dedicated person to recruit business and industry. When we say town we don’t necessarily mean a person on the town’s payroll, but rather a person who is funded by a group effort. It could work something like this: Each town, city, county or municipality in the region would pay an annual fee toward economic development efforts. The money from these entities would pay the salary of the EDC specialist and also be used to pay travel to trade shows where companies are presenting that the region would want to attract to the area.

A board with representatives from those who have committed to fund the EDC and the recruiter would manage the position and make decisions about what companies are targeted, and what trade shows or recruitment trips make the most sense.

Other communities similar to Bluffton and Beaufort County deploy this kind of economic development attack and we think it’s time for our community to consider adopting the same philosophy.

We have said it before and we’ll say it again, we think a regional approach and a collaborative effort in regard to economic development is the best course of action. The region is attractive to prospective employers for so many reasons.

Creating a knowledge-based workforce and one with a huge emphasis on technology appears to be the direction to take our efforts.

Health care also is big business in the Lowcountry and the opportunities for companies associated with this field are endless. Buckwalter Place is a viable technology park and has so much potential. CareCore National makes its hope there and also houses the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, which has given our community needed statewide and national attention. The center is a pilot program endorsed by Clemson University, the state and other partners, including St. Joseph’s/Candler from Savannah.

As the region continues its growth, we are anxious for the greater Bluffton area and the region to be on the cutting edge. A dedicated economic development recruiter and professional should be on our short list to ensure a healthy future that young professionals will flock to once they finish college. They will flock here because there are higher-paying jobs and opportunities that continue to make Bluffton a great place to live, work and play.